MOVIE
REVIEW:
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE03/11/2016

SYNOPSIS: Monsters come in many forms.

REVIEW: Cloverfield, the
2008 first-person action/horror/sci-fi flick from JJ Abrams’
production company Bad Robot, is one of the better examples of
the “found-footage” genre. Its kinetic-ism of characters racing
across bridges shouting “Oh my Goddddd!” is nowhere to be found
in this sequel, though. That’s right, this latest effort, to put
it mildly is a single-location pressure cooker-style, influenced
more by Hitchcock-stylistically and less by the gaming
community, unlike the original. Nevertheless, there are
interesting elements of both to be had here. Actually, it would
be more like 2004’s “Saw,” meets “War of the Worlds,” with a
form of Hitchcock flair to it. Sounds confusing? Well, be
prepared to be racking your brain trying to link this latest
release to its predecessor.

Consequently, though the film
includes the “Cloverfield” name in its title, it’s just as much
a psychological suspense thriller as it is any kind of Sci-Fi
flick, showcasing the human aspect of such a profound scenario
(the Alien invasion). Where this latest effort succeeds the most
though, is delivering a very character driven story, focusing on
the radical changes in each person’s circumstances from everyday
life to survival (think of The Walking Dead [minus the
zombies]).

The casting lineup starts with John Goodman
who is well known for many of his nice guy, almost goofy,
characters; however, one should be prepared to see an entirely
different side of him here. Mary Elizabeth Winstead‘s (Kill the
Messenger, 2014) Michelle character is gripping and throws the
storyline in to a tailspin from beginning to end. John Gallagher
Jr. (The Heart Machine, 2014) rounds out the cast as Emmett
while Direction comes from relatively newcomer Dan Trachtenberg
with the blessings of producer JJ Abrams.

Overall, “10
Cloverfield Lane” is a solid, enjoyable flick that showcases the
talents of everyone involved. Winstead gives a terrific
performance, one that will most likely be remembered among her
career, while Goodman actually seems creepy and dangerous
despite his usual persona. Trachtenberg’s direction elevates
this film from classic horror/sci-fi films by examining the
human element and the monstrosity of regular, everyday people in
a struggle for survival. Three and a half stars out of five is
well deserved here, however, I’d recommend this as a movie
rental as opposed to theater viewing.